Mayor Bill de Blasio has been talking to his inner circle and union allies about his candidacy for governor, and sources say he is increasingly confident he can win.
“I fell out of my chair laughing – he’s honestly thinking about it,” said a former senior adviser. “Because of all this Cuomo s – t, he is feeling bold.”
Hizzoner pretended to be shy all week when asked if he was keeping an eye on his struggling rival’s work. “The future will take care of itself,” he said, smiling, when a reporter asked the question on Thursday.
Public comments are not just meant to irritate Governor Cuomo – but behind closed doors, de Blasio is openly talking to advisers about running against him in the 2022 Democratic primaries, several sources said. De Blasio has a limited term and leaves office later this year, while Cuomo could seek re-election for a fourth term in November 2022.
The discussions take place as Cuomo faces two growing investigations – an investigation by the state attorney general on allegations of sexual harassment by at least three women and a federal investigation into his government’s alleged cover-up of COVID-related deaths in nursing homes .
With Cuomo’s blood in the water, the mayor’s team reached out to the big unions for support, including District Council 37, which represents civil servants; the local health workers’ union 1199 SEIU; and 32BJ Local SEIU, which represents construction workers, the sources said.
“He is calling his working friends,” said one worker. “He is interested. I think that no matter what happens – even if the governor runs for a fourth term – Blasio will give him primacy. “
Bill Neidhardt, de Blasio’s press secretary, said: “As reported a few weeks ago, the mayor is having discussions with friends from the labor movement about the future of progressive politics in New York City.”
De Blasio believes his own image is recovering from its low point last year, when he played against Cuomo when the governor’s popularity peaked during the early stages of the pandemic.
“The more he talks about it, the more he’s like, ‘Maybe that’s not such a crazy idea … maybe I have a chance,'” said the former senior adviser about a run for governor. “The way it was described to me is that he is talking to himself.”
A longtime Albany source said that “from Blasio to governor” is gaining momentum.
“I heard of more than just a form of play,” said the source. “It doesn’t shock me. This is a guy with a huge ego, an inflated sense of self-importance. He is someone who ran for president, although it was clear that he would never gain strength. “
A current city official said he expects de Blasio to run.
“He ran for president. It fits into an illusion of grandeur pattern, ”said the source. “Of course he would love to be a political commentator, but if there is a way to run for elected office, he will follow.”
The offer would be as remote as its failed presidential race in 2020, Democratic strategists said.
“It is surprising that, after all this time, he thought he could be elected in New York,” said Karen Hinton, former press secretary for De Blasio and Cuomo. “I’m not trying to take anything away from his achievements – I think he had a lot – but New Yorkers who talk a lot don’t like him, and I find it hard to imagine that he could retire and be elected. This is hard, but I think it is obvious. “
Hinton said she envisions his transition to a nonprofit organization, either by teaching or by making comments.
A second former adviser agreed: “I thought he was going to take a significant break and regroup and think about what he wants to do next … I kind of figured he would make some political comments and give a college degree or two. But he said publicly recently that he doesn’t go to the private sector, so who knows. “
Sources said de Blasio could face an enemy stronger than Cuomo if he sought out the governor’s mansion.
If Attorney General Letitia James “decides to run, she will have the support of Brooklyn Democrats,” said a party source, who noted that James began his career in New York politics as a councilor in Brooklyn.
It is also unlikely that de Blasio will win the support of the Democratic Party’s powerful progressive wing over James.
“She is an African American, she is a woman, all of which is in her favor. The Left really likes it, ”said an Albany source.
A third ex-Blasio agent said that his ex-boss “has a chance” against “a weakened Cuomo … but if he is running out in the open against Letitia James, [Long Island Rep.] Kathleen Rice and others, he probably doesn’t stand a chance. “
De Blasio’s former press secretary, Eric Phillips, said he had no recent discussions with the mayor about aspirations for governor, but defended his former chief’s record.
“There is no doubt that it was fashionable not to like Bill de Blasio in July, but when you look back at the result, your newsletter will be very good,” said Phillips.
“I don’t think the mayor is good at theater. He was never … Andrew Cuomo is excellent in theater. “
In July, de Blasio’s approval rating hovered at 40 percent, while Cuomo enjoyed 73 percent popularity, according to a Manhattan Institute survey.
Since then, the governor’s position has plummeted. New research from Quinnipiac University found that 45% of New Yorkers approve of the work Cuomo is doing, while 46% disapprove.
But a strategist has warned those betting against Cuomo’s fourth term.
“Don’t underestimate Andrew Cuomo,” he said. “I don’t think he’s as finished as some people say he is. He still has a chance to redeem himself. “